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Florianopolis (Portuguese: Florianópolis) is the capital of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. Half of the city is on the mainland of Brazil while the other half is on the Santa Catarina Island. It has some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches.

It is formed by an ocean island of 436 km² (54 km by 18 km) and a small peninsula on the mainland, with 1210 km². It is situated in southern Brazil between the parallels 27 20' and 27 51' latitude south and between the meridians 48 20' and 48 35' longitude west. Three bridges link the island to the continent, but presently, Hercílio Luz Bridge, a landmark of the city, is closed for repairs. It is possible it will open in the future for pedestrians and cyclists.

Recently, Florianopolis has become one of the most popular destinations in Brazil for people who are looking for superb beaches, beautiful scenery, interesting culture and friendly people. It has also experienced a real estate boom, with Brazilians looking for a better quality of life away from the chaos of the big cities, especially from the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. The city proper currently has an estimated population of 420,000 people. The Greater Florianopolis Metro area is home to about 1 million people.

The northern beach resorts Jurerê, Daniela, Canasvieiras, Brava and Ingleses get very busy during the summer and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and other conveniences for the tourist. Eastern beaches, like Joaquina, Mole and Moçambique are among the best surfing beaches and popular with young people. Beaches heading south include Campeche, Armação and Morro das Pedras, which are all very beautiful and also good for surfing. Isolated and unspoiled beaches, like Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados, can be found at the southern end of the island and can only be reached by trail. Lagoa da Conceição is a famous natural attraction, and the centerpiece of the island; it is relatively shallow, with high winds making it a world-class location for windsurfing. Peri Lagoon is quieter on the other hand, and great for nature walks.

The city of Florianopolis is quite modern, with large shopping malls, chain and high-end restaurants and many glamorous bars and nightclubs. The highway system serving the city is very good.

The Brazilian airline "TAM" [1] provides international and domestic services to Florianopolis. Flights are available from JFK International(NY), Miami, Madrid, London, Frankfurt, Milan and main cities in South America. Most of the flights require a connection in Sao Paulo.

Terminal Rita Maria, the name of the Central Bus Station, is located at 1104 Paulo Fontes Ave., in the city center +55 48 3222.2260. It links Florianopolis City to the main Brazilian cities and to most of the cities in Santa Catarina state. The main bus companies operating in Florianopolis are Catarinense [5], Reunidas [6], Santo Anjo [7] and Eucatur [8].

You can get to Florianopolis from Foz do Iguaçu for R$115 to R$150. The night trip takes around 16h.

You should use the Route BR-101 (cross Brazil from north to south), the entrance to Florianopolis will be at kilometer 206, from there read the signs and get the express route BR-282 which leads to Florianopolis

From the city center, dozens of buses go to all the beaches on the island. The bus system has drawbacks since transfers are necessary at regional terminals, and some trips can take up to several hours if there are long layovers. The cost is 3.10R each way, transfers are free at the stations, and it takes about 35-60 minutes on average to get from the city to the beaches. Some trips may take considerably longer. Some wait times can be several hours if you are not on a common bus route, so be sure to inquire about that with your hostel or hotel staff. Additionally, there is an air-conditioned yellow bus (Linhas Executivas) that goes directly downtown from the main beaches for 7.00R. A car is recommended to explore all the beaches and interesting spots. There are car rentals on the island and at the airport. Renting can be expensive as well (120R/day with A/C), however it is worthwhile as it makes exploring this beautiful island more efficient and pleasurable. During the high season traffic can be intense, and it could easily take one 2 hours to get to the beach from the city center.

Catedral Metropolitana - One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, located at Praça XV de Novembro.

Municipal Market - Formerly used as the city market place, this market on Largo da Alfândega still holds some interesting sights.

Hercílio Luz Bridge - The postcard symbol of the city, inaugurated in 1926 linking the island to the mainland.

Lagoa da Conceição - A large beautiful lake in the center of the island.

Ribeirão da Ilha - 36 kilometers from the center, this old district of Florianopolis is a testament to Azorean immigration. Its historic center, in Frequesia, has a plaza which contains the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Ribeirão (church), and the Ethnological Museam which houses documents and relics from the region's history.

Anhatomirim Island and its Fortaleza de Santa Cruz

Teatro Álvaro de Carvalho, rua Marechal Guilherme, 26. (near the Catedral Metropolitana), tel. +55 48 3028-8070/3028-8071. In the center of the city, the Municipal Theater is an example of 1870's local architecture.

Velha Figueira - This 100+ year-old tree in Praça XV de Novembro is honored in the official municipal hymn of Florianopolis.

Forts - Constructed as early as 1739, the forts served to protect the city from possible Spanish attacks.

Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (1742)

Fortaleza de Santo Antônio (1740)

Fortaleza Santana (1761)

Fortaleza São José da Ponta Grossa (1740)

Santo Antônio de Lisboa. Quite nice little town, located on the calm west coast of the island. Multiple restaurants are located directly at the waterfront. Also it is nice walk along the water heading toards Sambaqui.(-48.5151,-27.5014)edit

Shopping Itaguaçu, Rua Geroncio Thives, 1079 - Barreiros, tel. 0800 480055, [11]. The oldest shopping mall in the state, opened in 1982. In neighboring São José, within ten minutes of the city center. It currently has 180 shops and 7 movie screens.

Iguatemi Florianópolis, Av. Beiramar, at the corner with Av. Madre Benvenuta, tel. +55 48 3231 4900 - Bairro Santa Mônica, [13]. 200 shops and 7 movie screens. In fact, this cinema has one of the largest screens in Brazil. All are modern and stadium seating style.

Portuguese Food - The city had been colonized by the "cultura açoriana". Their food is delicious.

Italian Food - Macarronada Italiana is the main spot. Great. But there are many other good choices as well.

Downtown- There are great "per kilo" buffets with amazing food, salads, and fruit. You can get a full meal with a fresh juice for under $6. It's good for the budget traveler and to get a sense of where many locals get a quick bite.

Bar do Arante, Praia do Pântano, in the south of the island. Tel: +55 48 3237-7022. Interesting restaurant where the custom is for customers to hang slips of paper on the wall to mark their passage. The custom comes from pre-electricity days when people would use the slips to let friends know what part of the beach to find them in. Specializing in seafood at moderate prices. Try the Tainha Grelhada.

Toca da Garoupa, Rua Alves Brito, 178 - Centro, tel. +55 48 3223-1220. This restaurant offers its guests the regional cuisine of Floianopolis. While the seafood menu may be exceptional, the restaurant's decor and history are sure to please customers as well.

Bistrô Isadora Duncan, Rodovia Jornalista Manuel de Menezes, 2658 - Barra da Lagoa, tel. +55 48 3232-7210, 9980-4428, [15]. Named after a famous ballerina, this bistro is a great romantic spot for two. It only has 5 tables and some veranda space. The bistro offers a wide variety of cuisine, ranging from leafy green salads to filet mignon. Alchohol is also served on this cozy, beach front bistro.

Circuit, Rua Henrique Veras do Nascimento, 110 (Lagoa do Conceicao), ☎(+55 48) 3232 4655. The best electronic music club on the island complete with a superior sound system and advanced LED light technology.edit

The Week International Florianópolis, Hotel Praia Mole Eco Village - Rodovia Manoel de Menezes, 2001 - Lagoa - Florianópolis-SC, [24]. Primarily a gay club, The Week became famous for its great techno music and service at São Paulo's night.Florianópolis hosts the third club of the brand (first in São Paulo and second in Rio de Janeiro). With one of the best techno music scenes in Brazil, don't feel shy to show up if you're not LGBT - the place has a very nice environment and people are very friendly. Opened during summer only.edit

Albergue da Juventude, Rua Duarte Schutel 227, +55 48 225-3781. Hostelling International hostel is located 10 minutes away from the bus terminal and close to the beach. Prices vary according to season.

Backpackers Sharehouse, Servidão da Prainha,29 Barra da Lagoa (cross the footbridge). Tel. +55 48 3232-7606 [30]. This is a popular backpackers spot. It serves an excellent breakfast and has budget meals. Guest can use the surfboards for free. Dorm beds R$35, includes breakfast and wi fi internet. Portuguese lessons are also available for those interested.

Veleiros Hotel, R. Silva Jardim, 234 - Centro, tel. +55 48 3224-6622. This hotel is located close to the city center and the Convention center. Reservations must be received 15 days prior to arrival.

Pousada Colinas da Lagoa, tel. +55 48 3232-5747. [31] It is situated in the privileged area of Lagoa da Conceição, with a view of its Hill and close to the best beaches of Florianópolis.

Pousada Bangalos da Mole, tel. +55 48 3232-0723. [32] Beachfront to the beautiful Praia Mole, which is centrally located, since it is the closest beach to the Lagoa da Conceição town.

Floriparadise Hostel, 5076, Avenida Luiz Boiteux Piazza, Ponta das Canas, ☎+55 48 3284-1244, [33]. Situated in the north of the island, Floriparadise is the ultimate hostel for those wishing to be emersed in local culture and art. The hostel is directly across from the local beach while close by is the vibrant area of Ponta das Canas which turns into a tourist mecca in the summer. The hostel offers a variety of local activities and linen is included in the price as well as WiFi through out the whole hostel. Your hosts can also speak english which will help your travels immensely if you cannot speak portuguese. Dorms start at R$25 Apartments start at R$35 edit

Parthenon Lindacap, R. Felipe Schmidt, 1.102 - Centro, tel. +55 48 3225-4500 / fax +55 48 3225-3645, [36]. This 67-room hotel is located downtown, with easy access to shopping and restaurants. Each room includes air-conditioning, a mini bar, and in room safe. The hotel itself has a bar, restaurant, and fitness facilities. It also offers its guests spa services. Rates from R$110.

Joaquina Beach Hotel,Estrada Geral da Joaquina, 2323 - Lagoa da Conceição, [37] This hotel offers no-frills rooms with AC, TV and telephones with a nice cafe for breakfast, lunch or coffee on the ground floor. Includes parking, and is 100m from the beach, which as close to "on the beach" as you can get at this beach. Perfect for surfers, and Mole Beach is a 5 min drive away.

Maratea Mare Hotel[38]+55 48 3284-5495 sea front hotel. Located in a marvelous area on the Cachoeira do Bom Jesus sea front, Maratea Mare Hotel offers its visitors an unforgettable view. All the apartments are composed of a dormitory, a bathroom, a living room, a complete kitchen, air conditioning, telephone, TV and safe. Brasilian "colonial" breakfast and beach service included. Free internet WIFI Service for guests in lobby area. Rates from R$99,00 in low season.

Pousada da Lagoinha[39]+55 48 3232-4757. It is a very cozy guesthouse, located in front of the Lagoinha beach in northern Florianopolis, with a local colonial design, for those who like a calm and peaceful place, surrounded by the Atlantic Rain Forest vegetation.

Oasis Collections, ☎+55 11 3042 9086 (ask_us@oasiscollections.com), [41]. A portfolio of 45+ handpicked homes and apartments that include concierge service and full guest support. Recently awarded Top Villa Provider by Condé Nast Traveler.edit

Costão do Santinho, tel. 0800-48-1000. +55 48 3261 1000, [42]. Very nice all-inclusive resort and spa. Very kid-friendly. It's a bit out of the way though, but it is serviced by the yellow bus lines, and it does provide rental car facilities. The beach (Santinho) is extremely clean and beautiful, but has zero nightlife.